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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11a - Regular Meeting Minutes of May 20, 2025 1 05-20-2025 ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025 CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Kwan called the Study Session to order at 4:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS The following Board Members of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association (“DAIA”) appeared and thanked the City Council for their continued support and collaboration on downtown events. They encouraged the City Council to consider including costs associated with the DAIA’s events in the City’s budget; and requested that all event-related City fees be waived. Erik Wahl Scott Harris April Verlato Jenny Liu Donna Choi Carolyn Iga Irene Leung, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed her disappointment with Mayor Kwan’s treatment during the previous City Council meeting and she encouraged the City Council to reflect on their actions and engage with each other respectfully moving forward. Olivia Tan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and recognized Mayor Kwan in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commending her for her leadership; she expressed her disappointment with the tone and dialogue of the City Council at their previous meeting; and encouraged everyone to stand together against inequality. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction regarding the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025-27 and proposed Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-30. City Manager Lazzaretto presented an overview of the proposed Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2025-27, and proposed Capital Improvement and Equipment Plan for Fiscal Years 2025- 30. Discussion ensued and staff responded to various questions, comments, and suggestions on the proposed budget. It was the consensus of the City Council that the budget be brought forward for adoption at the June 3 City Council Meeting. No action was taken. The Study Session ended at 5:34 p.m. 2 05-20-2025 Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Kwan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. INVOCATION – Rabbi Sholom Stiefel, Chabad of Arcadia 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Nicole Tseng, Arcadia High School Student 4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan ABSENT: None 5. REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY REGARDING CLOSED/STUDY SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Maurer reported that prior to the Regular Meeting, the City Council met in a Study Session to discuss the one item listed on the posted agenda regarding the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-27. He noted that no action was taken and that the necessary resolutions to adopt the budget will be presented at the June 3, 2025, City Council Meeting. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto had nothing to report. 7. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of Mayor’s Certificate of Commendation to Arcadia High School Student Nicole Tseng for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. 8. PUBLIC HEARING a. Report on vacancies and recruitment and retention efforts in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Receive and File Human Resources Director Williams presented the Staff Report. Mayor Kwan opened the Public Hearing. Anabel Carrillo, President of the Arcadia City Employees’ Association, appeared and commented on the information provided in the Staff Report. She encouraged the City Council and City leadership to prioritize equity in the support, retention, and promotion of current employees. Mayor Kwan closed the Public Hearing. After discussion, the presentation was received and filed by the City Council. 3 05-20-2025 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS David Liu, Volunteer in Patrol and Board Member of the Arcadia Police Foundation, appeared and expressed his frustration over a recent incident within the Arcadia Police Department. April Verlato, former Arcadia Mayor and current Board Member of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association (“DAIA”), appeared and expressed her interest in the formation of the July Fourth 2026 Planning Committee and the LA28 Olympics Committee; she indicated that the DAIA looks forward to partnering with the City to promote the small businesses in the downtown area during both events. Scott Harris, Arcadia business owner and Board Member of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association, appeared and expressed the DAIA’s interest in collaborating with the LA28 Olympics Committee. Donna Choi, Executive Director of the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association, appeared to announce that the Patriotic Festival and Drone Show will take place on Saturday, June 28; she encouraged the community to attend; and thanked the City Council for waiving the associated fees. Stephanie Aikin, Arcadia business owner and Downtown Arcadia Board Member, appeared and expressed her excitement about the formation of the July Fourth 2026 Planning Committee; and she shared her hope that the City will include the DAIA as a partner in organizing the event. Aliara, a Hacienda Heights resident, appeared and expressed her concerns about traffic at the Duarte Road and Baldwin Avenue intersection, as well as school zones around Arcadia High School; she noted her concerns over community safety and quality of life. Wenona Wenb, a Foothills Middle School student, appeared and shared her interest in establishing an Arcadia Youth Commission. Aghik Brakal, a First Avenue Middle School student, appeared and encouraged the City Council to support the installation of underground power lines for neighborhoods located in high fire zones. Annie Huang, an Oak Avenue Intermediate School student, appeared and expressed her concerns about environmental issues; she spoke about the benefits of creating parks and planting trees, highlighting how these efforts can contribute to a healthier environment. Oliva Tan, an Arcadia resident, appeared and recognized Mayor Kwan in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, commending her for her leadership; she expressed her disappointment with the tone and dialogue of the City Council at the previous meeting; and encouraged everyone to stand together against inequality. Jessica Xu, a Dana Middle School student, appeared and shared her reasons why the City should consider hosting more festivals. Kevin Mak, an Arcadia resident, appeared and encouraged the City Council to install tables on the City Hall lawn, noting the inconvenience of having to balance food on laps or sit on the ground due to a lack of tables. In response to Mr. Mak’s comments, City Manager Lazzaretto stated that the City has a long-term plan to renovate the lawn and that Mr. Mak’s request will be taken into consideration. 4 05-20-2025 Carolyn Iga, Arcadia business owner and Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association Board Member, appeared and spoke about the positive impact the Association has had on her business; she expressed the DAIA’s interest in collaborating with the City on the 2028 Olympics and America’s 250th Birthday Celebration; and encouraged the City Council to include the Association in the planning of these events. Sonia, an Arcadia resident, appeared to address two concerns. First, she expressed concern over potential litigation from the Arcadia Firefighters’ Association related to improperly paid benefits; she noted that the City faced a similar lawsuit in the past and she urged the City Council to investigate how such issues can be prevented moving forward. Second, she expressed her disappointment in the treatment of Mayor Kwan at the previous City Council meeting; she encouraged those Council Members to offer an apology and commended Mayor Kwan for her commitment to transparency and leadership. Hunter Li Pollock, an Oak Avenue Intermediate School student, appeared and expressed his concerns about air pollution; he spoke about the positive impact moss can have on improving air quality; and urged the City Council to address air pollution issues. He also expressed disappointment with how Mayor Kwan was treated at the previous meeting and called on the City Council to reflect and make changes. 10. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City expense [AB 1234]). Council Member Fu provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; he addressed comments he heard and made at the previous City Council meeting. He apologized for losing his composure and reiterated his objections to comments made by Mayor Kwan during that meeting; speaking about his personal experience and benefits of women in leadership roles. Mayor Cao provided a report on the various events that he attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; he congratulated Fire Chief Suen on his recognition by Assemblymember Mike Fong and shared photos of the event; he spoke about the significance of the Memorial Day Holiday; he thanked current military members and veterans for their service; and asked City Attorney Maurer to clarify whether the Mayor has the authority to prevent City Council Members from speaking during City Council Comments. In response to Council Member Cao’s request, City Attorney Maurer stated that each Council Member represents an Arcadia district, and that all districts are represented through the Council Member’s participation in City Council meetings. Council Member Cheng commended Council Member Cao’s remarks about Memorial Day; he recognized Joaquin Lim, an Army veteran and former Mayor of Walnut, sharing the profound impact Mr. Lim had on his decision to run for City Council; he invited Council Member Cao to share his personal story of military service, and thanked all veterans for their service. He announced that on May 24, Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s 27th Annual Tribute to Veterans & Military Families will be held at Arcadia County Park; on May 26, the Allied Veterans Council Tribute of Memorial Day at Live Oak Memorial Park will occur; and that on May 29, the Police Department is hosting a Neighborhood Watch Meeting. Council Member Cheng expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for their continued support and to Mr. Lim for his guidance. 5 05-20-2025 In response to Council Member Cheng’s request, Council Member Cao shared a story form his time in the military, expressing that it was an honor to support an all-women platoon during war. Mayor Pro Tem Wang provided a report on the various events that she attended or will be attending as a representative of the City; she thanked the attorneys that participated in Law Day; and she withdrew her request to be appointed to the proposed LA28 Olympics Committee. Mayor Kwan addressed Mr. Liu’s public comment; she expressed her appreciation for the comments made by her City Council colleagues and responded to some of those comments. She emphasized the importance of being mindful of how words and tone can impact others and encouraged the City Council to uphold high standards in their discourse. She announced that she signed a letter in support of Assembly Bill 468, highlighting the significance of the legislation; and that she attended the Mayors and City Managers Roundtable hosted by Senator Pérez. 11. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Approve b. Resolution No. 7629 establishing a Community Events Sponsorship Policy. CEQA: Not a Project Recommended Action: Adopt It was moved by Council Member Cao, seconded by Council Member Cheng, and carried on a roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 10.a and 10.b. AYES: Cao, Cheng, Fu, Wang, and Kwan NOES: None ABSENT: None 12. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 9:16 p.m. to Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., in the City Council Conference Room. Linda Rodriguez City Clerk